Table 3.
Reference guide to cleaning ultrasound transducers in the O&G Department
| Transducer | Procedure | Use of transducer cover | Recommended cleaning method Low‐Level Disinfection (LLD) or High‐Level Disinfection (HLD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| External | Intact skin | No | LLD |
| Non‐intact skin | Yes | HLD | |
|
Externala Needle‐guided procedure |
Amniocentesis CVS Suprapubic bladder tap for urine retention |
Yes | HLDa |
| Intracavity | Transvaginal | Yes | HLD |
| Intraoperative | Yes | HLD | |
a
LLD can be performed if the transducer is classified as non‐critical. Non‐critical transducers do not contact non‐intact skin, blood or mucous membranes. If the transducer comes in direct contact with non‐intact skin, blood or mucous membranes transducers should be cleaned and with HLD irrespective of the use of a transducer cover. If transducer cover is broken during a procedure, then HLD must be performed.